Ariel Porfirio Oliva Querubin
Ariel Porfirio Oliva Querubin, born March 28, 1956, is a retired Philippine Marine Colonel considered one of the most decorated soldiers in Philippine military history. He is a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest military honor in the Philippines, awarded for his extraordinary courage in combat operations. Throughout his distinguished military career, he received numerous decorations including the Most Distinguished Conduct Star, three Distinguished Service Stars, seven Gold Cross Medals, and 12 military merit medals. He was involved in significant military operations, including the 2002 operation that neutralized Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya. In 1989, he co-founded the Young Officers' Union and participated in a coup attempt against President Corazon Aquino, for which he was later granted amnesty by President Fidel Ramos. In 2006, he was implicated in another alleged coup plot against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. After retiring from the military, he previously ran unsuccessfully for a Senate seat in 2010 under the Nacionalista Party. He supported Grace Poe in the 2016 presidential election, who promised to appoint him as anti-crime czar had she won.
Education
- Philippine Military Academy (graduated 1979)
- Master's Degree in Defense Studies, University of Canberra, Australia
Career Highlights
- Retired Colonel, Philippine Marine Corps
- Medal of Valor Recipient, the highest military honor in the Philippines
- Co-founder of the Young Officers' Union (1989)
- Involved in the neutralization of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya (2002)
- Credited with the neutralization of Barahama Sali leading to the release of Fr. Cirilo Nacorda from Abu Sayyaf (1994)
Key Platforms
Revival of Mandatory ROTC
Advocating for the reinstatement of mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program to enhance national defense preparedness and instill discipline and patriotism among the youth, especially in light of tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Defense and Territorial Integrity
Strengthening Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea through increased defense budget and capabilities, while also emphasizing diplomatic approaches to territorial disputes.
BET Platform - Boosting Agriculture
Boosting rice production and supporting pig farming, ranching, and other agricultural programs, including utilizing military reservation lands for agricultural purposes.
BET Platform - Education Reform
Promoting educational reforms through scholarship programs, particularly proposing scholarships for the eldest child of each family, and integrating military discipline and civic duty into educational curricula.
Veterans' Welfare
Enhancing support systems for military veterans, ensuring they receive necessary benefits and recognition for their service to the country.
Track Record
Medal of Valor Recipient
Awarded the Medal of Valor in 2001 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for 'acts of conspicuous courage, gallantry, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty' during combat operations against Moro rebels.
Counter-Terrorism Operations
Participated in significant counter-terrorism operations, including the 2002 operation that neutralized Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya, and the 1994 operation leading to the release of Fr. Cirilo Nacorda from Abu Sayyaf captivity.
Military Coup Involvement
Co-founded the Young Officers' Union in 1989 and participated in a coup attempt against President Corazon Aquino's government, for which he was later granted amnesty by President Fidel Ramos.
Previous Senate Run
Previously ran for a Senate seat in 2010 under the Nacionalista Party but was unsuccessful, garnering approximately 6.5 million votes.
Community Engagement
Engaged in community outreach and mentorship programs focused on leadership and youth development after retiring from military service.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Focuses on boosting agricultural production, particularly rice cultivation, to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on imports. |
| Education | Advocates for educational reforms including scholarship programs for the eldest child of each family and incorporating military discipline and civic duty into curricula. |
| Healthcare | Has not made specific public statements on healthcare policies in his 2025 campaign. |
| Environment | Has not made specific public statements on environmental policies in his 2025 campaign. |
| Labor | Supports veterans' rights and improved benefits for military personnel, though has not articulated a broader labor platform. |
| Agriculture | Promotes boosting rice production and supporting farming initiatives, including utilizing military reservation lands for agricultural development. |
| Governance | Emphasizes integrity in public service based on military values of honor and discipline, though has not detailed specific anti-corruption measures. |
| Foreign Policy | Maintains that territorial issues in the West Philippine Sea cannot be resolved through military means alone, advocating for diplomacy as the best approach while also strengthening defense capabilities. |
| Charter Change | Has not made specific public statements on charter change in his 2025 campaign. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has not made specific public statements on LGBTQIA+ rights in his 2025 campaign. |
| Drug War | Has not articulated a specific stance on drug war policies in his 2025 campaign, though his background suggests support for strong law enforcement approaches. |
| Icc | Has not made specific public statements on ICC investigations in his 2025 campaign. |
Sources & Citations
- https://www.rappler.com/people/p70563814-ariel-querubin/
- https://www.serbisyo.ph/philippines/electoral-candidates/ariel-porfirio-oliva-querubin
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/933573/querubin-to-push-for-rotc-revival-if-elected-senator-in-eleksyon-2025/story/
- https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2024/07/21/2371790/retired-col-querubin-starts-his-senate-run-anew
- https://bukidnondispatch2016.wordpress.com/2024/10/07/ariel-querubin-declares-senate-candidacy-promotes-bet-platform/
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/02/17/2422183/bosita-querubin-team-senate-race-2025-midterm-polls
- https://manilastandard.net/opinion/314204157/ariel-o-querubin.html
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
